Energy & Environment
The American Physical Society believes that a technically sound national energy policy that is rooted in reducing the United States’ dependency on fossil fuels and foreign sources of energy is essential to maintain a robust economy and a healthy environment. The society sees nuclear energy as a significant option for reducing pollution while meeting the world’s continually expanding energy needs. Renewable sources of energy (i.e., solar energy, wind, etc.) need to be researched and developed further to help meet the world demand for energy. As well, major scientific breakthroughs are still needed to create a "hydrogen economy.” The society urges continued and diversified investments in energy research and development, as well as policies that promote efficiency and innovation throughout the energy system.
APS Statements on Energy & Environment:
- Electric and Magnetic Fields and Public Health
- Energy Policy for the 21st Century
- Energy: The Forgotten Crisis
- The Office of Energy Research
- Nuclear Energy
Read more APS positions and statements.
Recent Activity
POPA U.S. Nuclear Workforce Study
The APS Panel on Public Affairs’ has established a study group to examine the status of the United States Nuclear Workforce. Sekazi Mtingwa, from MIT, will chair the study; other members of the group include Ruth Howes, William Magwood, Darlene Hoffman, Andrew Klein, Lynne Fairobent, Allen Sessoms, Marc Ross, & Carol Berrigan. The first panel meeting is scheduled to be held this summer, with site visits planned for August and September. A report is slated to be completed early next year. (See June Edition of the Washington Update)
POPA Interim Nuclear Waste Storage Study
The APS Panel on Public Affairs, at its February 2nd meeting, approved the new report by its Nuclear Energy Study Group. The report is an examination of the technical and programic issues associated with the centralized interim storage of spent nuclear fuel. [Download Report]
The members of the study group are Roger Hagengruber (Co-Chair), John Ahearne (Co-Chair), Robert J. Budnitz, Margaret Chu, Kevin Crowley, Richard Meserve, Ernest J. Moniz, and Francis Slakey.
POPA Electricity Storage Study
The APS Panel on Public Affairs, at its February 2nd meeting, approved a policy supplement on electricity storage. The report is an examination of the technical issues associated with electricity storage.
Important Item Concerning Energy & Environment
Electricity Storage
- APS Panel on Public Affairs, issues a policy supplement on electricity storage technologies. [Download Report] (3/07)
Nuclear Energy
- APS Panel on Public Affairs, issues a report on interim storage of spent nuclear fuel. [Download Report] (2/07)
- APS Panel on Public Affairs, issues a report on proliferation resistance. [Download Report] (6/05)
- New York Times "Old Foes Soften to new Reactors," A1, Sunday, May 15, 2005 [www.nytimes.com]. (5/05)
Hydrogen Initiative
- The House energy and Water FY05 Appropriations Bill fully funded increases for basic research at DOE Office of Science for hydrogen storage research. The bill also requires that the fundings for proposed Hydrogen Research Centers be "competitively bid" and peer reviewed. [Download Report]
- APS Panel on Public Affairs issues an assessment of the Administration's Hydrogen Initiative [Download Report]
